Publisher of Franklin condemns Hegseth’s use of iconic Canadian character

Dec. 2 (UPI) — The publisher of Franklin the turtle has condemned Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of the Canadian cartoon character in a meme supporting the Trump administration’s attacks on boats in the Pacific and Caribbean sea that have attracted allegations of murder, war crimes and extrajudicial killings.

Hegseth posted the picture to his X personal account on Sunday as he has come under increasing criticism over his attacks on alleged drug trafficking vessels in international waters.

The image shows Franklin clad in U.S. military gear launching a rocket-propelled grenade from a helicopter at an outboard motor boat manned by an armed person.

“For your Christmas wish list…” Hegseth said in the caption, seemingly making light of mounting domestic and international criticism over the attacks.

The publisher of the popular Canadian television show and book series issued a statement Monday, rebuking Hegseth’s use of the beloved character.

“Franklin the turtle is a beloved Canadian icon who has inspired generations of children and stands for kindness, empathy and inclusivity,” Kids Can Press said in a statement.

“We strongly condemn any denigrating, violent or unauthorized use of Franklin’s name or image, which directly contradicts these values.”

Since the first attack on Sept. 2, the Trump administration has killed more than 80 people in the eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea on allegations of drug trafficking to the United States.

The Trump administration has come under increasing criticism at home over the legality of the strikes, including from lawmakers demanding information on reports that state the Pentagon conducted two strikes on a single boat, with the second attack killing all survivors from the first blow.

Internationally, United Nations experts have said the attacks amount to extrajudicial killings, while Colombian President Gustavo Petro has accused President Donald Trump of murder, stating one of the strikes killed a Colombian fisherman.

Hegseth’s use of the cartoon came under swift criticism.

“You’re a disgrace,” Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., said in response to Hegseth’s post.

Celebrated chef and humanitarian Jose Andres also commented.

“To make fun of the killing of people, when you have the power to stop them and do a true interrogation and actually make sure you know what they do and whom the higher-ups are … is so sad,” he said.